"When my dad first introduced Derick and I, we spent hours texting, calling, and talking on Skype while 8,000 miles away from each other. And when we finally met in person in Nepal, we knew within days that we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together," she told ABC News in a statement. "I love Derick's desire to follow God and to serve others. Derick is so romantic and the proposal was perfect. We are incredibly happy and can't wait to share our courtship and engagement on 19 Kids & Counting. Next up, wedding planning!"

Jim Bob, who said previously said that the Rogers, Ark. native reached out to him while he was doing missionary work in Nepal, is equally thrilled by his daughter's engagement.

"They're a match made in heaven and Michelle and I couldn't be more thrilled," he said. "We're so grateful to God and look forward to watching their love continue to grow as they prepare for their wedding and future life together. We're not losing a daughter, but rather gaining a son!"

Now that they're engaged, they can hold hands, and they will share their first kiss on their wedding day, People magazine, which broke the news, reported.

"I feel like I'm dreaming," Derick told the magazine. "It was great to grab her hand for the first time."

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